University defends tests on kittens for lazy eye research

25 July 2012 Last updated at 10:45 BST

Cardiff University has confirmed that some of its scientists had sewn up the eyes of kittens during research into a lazy eye condition in 2010, but it rejects the accusation that it was cruel or unnecessary.

Nick Palmer, from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, said there was no justification for this and Tom Holder, from Speaking of Research, said it was a building block in understanding how our brain and eyes work together.

In a statement, Cardiff University said the purpose of the work and its conduct was approved by both the university's own ethical review process and the Home Office as part of the licensing process.